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Updated: Jun 15, 2025
A Protocol for the Administration of Real-Time fMRI Neurofeedback Training
Published on: August 24, 2017
Real-time fMRI-based neurofeedback to restore brain function in substance use disorders: A systematic review of the
Ethan Murphy1, Govinda Poudel2, Saampras Ganesan3
1Neuroscience of Addiction and Mental Health Program, Healthy Brain and Mind Research Centre, School of Behavioral and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, Australian Catholic University, Australia.
Introduction:
Real-time functional magnetic resonance based-neurofeedback (fMRI-neurofeedback) is a neuromodulation tool where individuals self-modulate brain function based on real-time feedback of their brain activity. fMRI-neurofeedback has been used to target brain dysfunction in substance use disorders (SUDs) and to reduce craving, but a systematic synthesis of up-to-date literature is lacking.
Method:
Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review of all the literature that examined the effects of fMRI-neurofeedback on individuals with regular psychoactive substance use (PROSPERO pre-registration = CRD42023401137).
Results:
The literature included 16 studies comprising 446 participants with SUDs involving alcohol, tobacco, and cocaine. There is consistent between-condition (e.g., fMRI-neurofeedback versus control), less consistent pre-to-post fMRI-neurofeedback, and little intervention-by-time effects on brain function in prefrontal-striatal regions and craving.
Conclusion:
The evidence for changes in brain function/craving was early and inconsistent. More rigorous experiments including repeated measure designs with placebo control conditions, are required to confirm the efficacy of fMRI-neurofeedback in reducing brain alterations and craving in SUDs.
